When Luke Browne, then a political neophyte, entered the ring against Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace in East Kingstown in 2010, he, like two others before him, was defeated.
But Browne, now a parliamentary secretary, and senator for the ruling Unity Labour Party, for which he ran in 2013, says he plans to become MP for East Kingstown soon.
Browne was sworn in as a parliamentary secretary and senator for the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) last week.
When he delivered his maiden address to Parliament on Thursday, Browne made clear his intentions, as far as electoral politics is concerned.
“In as much as I have heard a lot of two and fro about the prospects associated with the next general elections contest, I would like to declare that I hope one day, and one day not too far from now, to return to this House as the elected representative for the constituency of East Kingstown,” he said.
“I do not take it for granted that the Hon. Arnhim Eustace will contest the next general elections. But if he does, I can assure him and his colleagues that have any doubts, that he will get a terrific run for his money,” Browne told Parliament.
“More than that, my very presence in this House might be something that makes him a little uncomfortable because even here, he will have to keep on his toes in relation to the Parliament and in relation to the business of East Kingstown,” Browne further stated.
He said the ULP has a “distinguished” track record.
“This is clearly not only a government of opportunities for me but a government of opportunities for Vincentians in general. You look around and see the progress that people have been able to make in their lives under this administration and you know that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is heading in the right direction,” he told Parliament.
He further said that the ULP has a legislative and executive track record that is “beyond compare”.
“We have not seen a government in the history of our country with so much achievement in so short a time. And who would know therefore where we end when our work in this Parliament and this country is done?” he further stated.
“Mr speaker, I pledge to bring my talents to bear on the business of this House. I look forward to contribute to the development of policies and laws and to participate in decision making at the highest levels,” said Browne, a former national and Rhode scholar, who is trained in economics, maths, and statistics.
I plan to function, in and out of this House, in a manner which completely justifies the faith which has been demonstrated in me,” he further stated.
Browne said the will serve “without fear or favour the national interest of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in much the same way that the Government has been doing over the past 12 years”.
“Mr. Speaker, I come with ideas and I look forward to working with the Honourable Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Sport and Culture, the Honourable Cecil McKie so that we can put sports on a platform that allows Vincentians to make a better life for themselves,” said Browne, who is Parliamentary Secretary in that Ministry.
“Mr. Speaker, this country must be different as a result of the contributions that we are making here,” Browne said, adding that he looks forward to a long time serving the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Parliament.
Eustace, speaking before Browne, said: “The Prime Minister also made reference to Sen. Browne’s role in the political arena in the constituency that I now represent. I don’t want to make any particular comment about that except to say that I have been there for four elections, I will continue.”
Eustace, an economist and former prime minister and minister of finance, has been representing East Kingstown since 1998.
Well after Luke, single-handily “bust” building and loan…I am not sure who is going to vote for him.
All Eustace have to say on the rostrum…don’t mind this miscreant of a child…this force ripe boy, in his mischievous ways and vindictiveness, went and wrote a letter in the papers…the next thing you know, there was a run on building and loan…all due the irresponsibility of this force ripe boy…remember this is the same person, cause he didn’t get the grade he wanted at UWI, threw a temper tantrum and threatened to take UWI to hell and back…now he wants you to vote for him…to do what? Can you rely on a person who lacks maturity to handle matters that directly affect your daily lives?…I know you are responsible citizens of this blessed land…and you not that careless to put such irresponsible person in office…lets tell this irresponsible, force ripe boy…he not ready yet, lets give him a tin of similac and send him on his way.
Luke is D.O.A
LUKE DID NOT BUST THE BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION !!!
What Luke did was to alert and enlighten the Vincentian public regarding the financial affairs of that institution. For that, he is being hailed as A SAVIOUR, Had he not done what he did in so timely a manner, we may not have had a Building and Loan Association to talk about today! Thanks Luke !!!
Luke is our very first RHODES SCHOLAR, and for that, there are those whose jealousy knows no bonds.
Here is an extremely distinguished Vincentian youngster who is being attached by words such as mischievous, vindictive, miscreant, force-ripe, irresponsible, boy, irresponsible, lacks maturity,
Obviously, anyone who would describe such a decent, extremely gifted and exceptionally talented youngster in those terms is simply not only misinformed, but is also jealous of Luke’s monumental and phenomenal achievements as well.
When would we STOP being crabs in a barrel ?
I consider this man an idiot, or perhaps even someone under the total control of another, even both.
There is no way that he would of done what he did without the explicit instruction from the top. If he had acted alone his arse would of been kicked up and down Bay Street.
If he had information he should of taken it quietly to the appropriate authorities and asked for them to act, not to go personally public.
Remember the Minister of finance knows about all financial institutions in SVG, it’s part of his job to know. Why didn’t he instruct the authorities to act, was it because his family had a large amount to move first? that is a question not an accusation.
My opinion, Luke Browne is but putty in the hands of another.
That’s my opinion, what’s yours?
TEACHER’S TEACHER, WHY ARE YOU BEING SO EMOTIONAL? ARE YOU LUKE’S MOTHER? BOYFRIEND?
Yes I am jealous of Luke. Luke left me in the barrel.
Stupid boy, smack his legs and send him home.